Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has escalated his standoff with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), daring detectives to arrest him following warnings of possible legal action over his controversial remarks on the ongoing fuel scandal.

In a fiery response on Sunday, April 5, 2026, while addressing a roadside rally in Gatundu North, Gachagua dismissed the DCI’s statement as an attempt to intimidate him, insisting that he would not be silenced and hinting at more explosive revelations to come.

Gachagua stood his ground, challenging investigators directly and accusing them of selectively targeting him while ignoring other alleged incidents of violence.

“Nimeongea nikiwa pale Gakoe, nikasema kwamba mambo ya vita kati ya William Ruto na wafanyikazi wake wale walikamatwa, na nikaeleza vile exhibit ya Ksh500 million imeibiwa. Sasa naona DCI wanaandika barua ati ya kutisha Riggy G. Wacha nikuambie DCI, kama unataka kuja kunishika, kuja unishike alafu uone ile maneno itakuwa hapa,” he said.

He maintained that his earlier remarks, where he claimed there was a business rivalry behind the fuel scandal, were based on information he had received, including allegations of missing exhibits.

In a defiant tone, Gachagua demanded that the DCI first take action against individuals he accused of orchestrating violence at various political and church events before summoning him.

He cited incidents in Limuru, Mwiki, Kariobangi, and Witima, where he and his supporters were attacked, and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

“Na nakuambia DCI, before utishe mimi, ati unataka kunishika, nataka kwanza wale watu walitupiga Limuru wakati wa funeral baada ya kutumwa na Kimani Ichung’wah, ukamate hao uwapeleke kortini. Kabla hujauliza mimi swali lolote, wale wakora walitupiga Mwiki kwa PCEA church, uwakamate uwapeleke kortini. Kabla hujauliza Mimi Chochote, wale wakora walitupiga PCEA Kariobangi, uwakamate uwapeleke kortini. Kabla hujauliza Mimi Chochote, wale askari Kumi na mbili walitupiga kwa kanisa ya Witima ACK, uwapeleke kortini. Hapana Tisha sisi,” he said.

Claims of intimidation

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader accused the investigative agency of attempting to suppress his constitutional right to freedom of expression, vowing to continue speaking out on matters he believes affect Kenyans.

“Hapana tisha sisi. Sisi tuko na haki ya freedom of expression kuwatetea Wakenya,” he stated.

He further warned that he would publicly expose any wrongdoing, particularly in relation to corruption.

“Mkiiba pesa lazima nitatangaza nyinyi. Na bado sijatoa maneno — bado natayarisha,” he added, suggesting that more claims could soon emerge.

DCI pushback

The DCI had earlier dismissed Gachagua’s claims as “false, unfounded and malicious”, particularly his allegations regarding the recovery and handling of exhibits in the fuel scandal investigation.

The agency also revealed that it is reviewing his statements to determine whether they may constitute offences under laws governing hate speech, incitement, and national cohesion.

The exchange marks a deepening confrontation between Gachagua and state agencies, coming against the backdrop of a widening probe into the suspected irregular procurement of fuel by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

With Gachagua maintaining his defiant stance and the DCI signalling possible legal action, the standoff is shaping into a high-stakes political and legal battle.